Reformed trust prepares for first meeting

For the first time in its 35-year history appointed trustees will outnumber councillor trustees when Shetland Charitable Trust meets on Thursday morning.

Eight appointed trustees will join seven councillors at the inaugral session of the newly-reconstituted SCT.

Previously the trust, responsible for investing and spending Shetland’s oil disturbance income, had comprised up to 22 councillors and two independents.The meeting will mark the end of a difficult period for the trust.

Reforms to the trust’s governance were initiated to satisfy charities regulator OSCR that there is clear separation between the trust and council. The new arrangement has been approved by OSCR.

One of the new trust’s first tasks will be to set a “strategic direction” to ensure funds are sustained for the benefit of future generations.

SCT chief executive Dr Ann Black said: “It is a significant milestone in the development of Shetland Charitable Trust.

“We welcome the new trustees, who will put the best interests of the trust first.

“The newly reformed trust will work to shape SCT’s future in difficult economic times so that it can enhance the quality of life for Shetland’s inhabitants for many years to come.”The meeting will appoint a new chairman and vice-chariman and will also consider the SCT’s recommended budget of £10.48 million for 2013/14.

SCT spends more than £10 million a year funding local groups and projects, including the recreational, amenity and arts trusts, rural care centres and 17 voluntary groups. It is also a 45 per cent shareholder in the controversial 103-turbine Viking Energy windfarm project.

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